Shiraz Rug: 219cm x 169cm

Shiraz rugs are the work or nomads and are fairly soft. Traditionally these rugs were knotted on a foundation of wool and cattle-hair, with a woolen pile. Qashgai tribes make these lovely rugs and many of them are collected for transport in the town of Shiraz in southern Iran. Shiraz pieces are generally more loosely knotted than, for example, Qashgai rugs. The colours of the ground are red and blue, more rarely cream, and often rather defined. The design usually bears a stepped diamond out-line which encloses a number of stylized, geometrical animal and flower patterns. In rugs from this district the edges are often bound with different colours of worsted, and it is not unusual to find little tassels adorning them.This gorgeous Shiraz is of a good size and is perhaps more intricate than some of its kin. The drawing and execution of this piece is really rather wonderful; I imagine the craftsmen who made this was somewhat of a perfectionist. The pile is lustrous and soft whilst the shades of colour used are well varied. The main medallion within a medallion has traditional stepped lines and the multiple borders give the piece even more depth. Four rosettes sit in each corner giving light to the busy ground. An extremely well drawn piece that would improve any room lucky enough to bear it.